Tag: brunch

It’s pronounced “shak-shoo-ka” but no matter how you say it, it’s downright scrumptious. Hailing from North African and the Middle East, this spicy tomato-based sauce with poached eggs may also be known as eggs in purgatory. You’ll be shocked how easy it is to prepare this vitamin-rich dish, so get your shakshuka on with these tips and tasty recipes

Health perks

Most shakshuka recipes include tomatoes, onions, peppers and. This veggie-heavy one-pot meal is relatively low in calories, but is packed with fiber and inflammation-fighting antioxidants. Canned tomatoes are commonly the star ingredient, which are higher in the antioxidant lycopene than fresh varieties. Eggs add healthy protein to make for a satisfying meal. Experiment with other protein-rich add-ins like beans and small portions of meat to add interest texture and flavor. Some recipes call for hefty doses of salt, so consider swapping in salt-free flavor boosters like spices and fresh herbs. Read more

With all the pressures of the holidays, the last thing you need is a complicated brunch plan. These three dishes give you options from make-ahead to 10 minutes or less — without sacrificing flavor or healthy choices. Prep the quinoa squares or muffins the night before, then bake before brunch, or make breakfast nachos on the fly.

My kids always want to prepare a very special breakfast for me on Mother’s Day. But guess who ends up doing most of the cooking AND cleaning? (hint: me!) Instead of getting upset at the thought of extra chores, I take this opportunity to bond with my kiddos while we whip up delicious memories together in the kitchen.

The Menu
A few days before Mother’s Day, my kids and I plan out the menu and hit the market so we’re fully stocked and ready to cook. Here are some mouthwatering Mother’s Day breakfast picks, complete with tasks your kids can do.

Eggs Benedict is my all time favorite breakfast, but it can be a bit heavy. Here’s a traditional recipe with a few healthy twists.

Nutrition Facts
An order of Eggs Benedict at IHOP has 1020 calories and almost 60 grams of fat – and those aren’t even the most outrageous numbers I’ve seen. Large portions of meat and gobs of buttery sauces are mostly to blame.

I’m always looking for something to liven up brunch menus. Try these buttery bite-sized treats at your next get-together.

Nutrition Facts
An average size plain croissant has 310 calories with more than 50% coming from fat. Pile in sugary and high-calorie fillings and it will quickly sabotage your breakfast or brunch. Smart downsizing is the way to have the best of both worlds.

I don’t know why I don’t make quiches more often. Every time I make them, my family goes wild and I think, “I should make a different one every week!” Quiches are ideal for a fall and winter breakfast, brunch, lunch or light dinner. They’re also perfect for Sunday football parties (especially for folks in time zones where games start at 9:00 AM)! And for you planners out there, they can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 2 days before baking. Check out my two quiche recipes, tweaked a few ways:

I used refrigerated pie crust to speed up prep work.

I added a little half-and-half – just enough to make a rich filling, but not enough to rocket calories and fat.

I added broccoli to a semi-traditional ham and cheese quiche (I also added parsley and Dijon).

I kept the recipes similar so you can use either one as a guide to create new versions with ingredients you have handy.

Make an extra-special egg dish for breakfast or brunch that kids and adults will love. Once you get the hang of the basic recipe, you can use whatever ingredients are in season (or in your fridge.) It’s all about learning the simple technique — here’s how you do it the healthy way.

We’re teaming up with other food and garden bloggers to host Fall Fest 2010, a season-long garden party. Each week we’ll feature favorite garden-to-table recipes and tips to help you enjoy the bounty, whether you’re harvesting your own goodies or buying them fresh from the market. To join in, check out awaytogarden.com.

So, summer’s officially ending tomorrow, but so what? There’s no reason to be blue. Fall’s got plenty to offer: Winter squash, football games, pick-your-own apple orchards and (finally!) cooler temperatures. Just like my box of sweaters, all the greens I loved in the spring are peeping out again, including Popeye’s favorite: spinach. I’m celebrating the return of this all-purpose green with a batch of individually-sized spinach-mushroom quiches.